Olympia Waldorf School

We looked all over Thurston and Pierce Counties for the right private school and let me just start by saying, we made the right choice. It first started for us looking for a pre-K during Covid as a need, but instead, it turned into gaining a whole community of friends that we adore. Since we are not the most religious in terms of being Christian or Catholic, some of the private schools in the area had too much focus on religion. Other pre-K schools felt as though we would have just been hiring a babysitter. Waldorf was a breath of fresh air, literally. The kids actually spend time outside in nature! Being kids, getting muddy, pretend play and learning about the wonders of our world. They focus on the whole child, not just academics and there are no grades, no tests, no homework and instead teach a love of learning. Not only that, they throw some really rad festivals and events for the kids - magical even! We are so blessed to have found a fun and safe place to call school.

With a son, a daughter, three cats and all that we could carry, my partner and I drove thousands of miles to get the special treatment offered by The Olympia Waldorf School grounds staff and invested families. The elder two are in College and High School and this year we graduate a second daughter that we are extremely proud of! We plan to continue the work of community with a positive focused intentional staff, administration and greater Olympia community. The self-confidence and focus of our youth reflects the interest teachers and administration place on the students in their charge. The children reflect years of life lessons learned and help us prepare for the work yet to be done. Whereas sports may be pursued outside of the curriculum, lessons in music language and community building have molded exceptional individuals that might contribute to creating "a more perfect union."

Both my girls love this school. The environment is caring and encouraging. The early childhood program teaches them to be kind, independent children and doesn't focus on academics before children are ready for them. The lower grades allow children to excel in a variety of different areas, really encouraging the love of learning rather than just route memorization or standardized test prep. Kids can excel in so many more things than just reading and math, although those elements are there as well. They learn music, art, community, history, map drawing, science, and so much more. They are taught it in a way that relates so much of the material to what is around them and to the age that they are at developmentally. There is a focus here to teach the whole child rather than just academics!

Since coming to Waldorf, my son has been able to open up in a way he never had before. This loving environment seeks out the best in each individual and allows them to thrive and shine in their own light. This school is not about memorizing facts to meet certain state standards; it is about engaging children in critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity and more, while falling in love with the process of learning. It is these values that have Waldorf children thrive when transitioning into higher education. And, oh how I love our community!

There are no bored children at OWS. The teachers are very dedicated and the curriculum is very engaging! If you want your children to sit in a desk and memorize facts and learn how to google everything, sure, send them elsewhere. At OWS, they will learn how to function as human beings in this ever-changing world! It is a classically rigorous education, including music, art and ethics alongside math and English. I wish the school was more centrally located, but otherwise I am very happy with it. No school is perfect, but neither is the world they will someday experience.